World's most advanced process research centre opens in Dublin with 100 new jobs

CHERRYWOOD, DUBLIN 15th Feb 2016: A world-class, state-of-the-art process research facility was launched in Cherrywood, Dublin today with the announcement of 100 new jobs at APC Ltd, an Irish pharmaceutical research company. The state-of-the-art 6,000m² premises will serve as APC’s new headquarters and was officially opened by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD. APC is an innovator in process research solutions for the drugs industry, helping global clients accelerate the development of their medicines for a wide range of conditions including cancer and HIV. The company’s move to Cherrywood Business Park is part of APC’s rapid expansion as it looks to more than double its workforce to meet client demand.

Speaking at the launch, the Taoiseach said: “I am delighted to welcome the announcement by APC of 100 new jobs in Dublin. This new research centre is a vote of confidence in Ireland and enhances our reputation as a leading location for pharmaceutical research and development. It is also a shining example of how a thriving business can grow from a bright idea once the right conditions are created by the right Government policies. The Government wants to keep the recovery going so that companies like APC can continue to grow and create jobs".

‘Turning a wonder molecule into a mass-produced medicine presents serious scientific and technological challenges even for some of the largest companies in the world. In our research, Brian and I saw an opportunity’, Mark Barrett (CEO, APC), said at the event. What started out as a cautious experiment between Mark, a bright postdoctoral student, and his UCD professor (Brian Glennon), has now turned into a multi-million euro enterprise. Launched in the middle of the financial crisis, Barrett and Glennon found a way to help pharmaceutical industry make complex new medicines reliably, and at scale, both here in Ireland and abroad. In the space of just 4 years, the company they formed has pioneered innovation in the sector and APC now partners with 8 of the top 10 pharma and 5 of the top 10 biotech firms in the world. 80% of its services are export-driven and the company aims to reach revenues of €50m by 2020.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said: “The 100 jobs announced by APC Ltd is another vote of confidence for our pharma med tech sector. As part of our Action Plan for Jobs we have put in place a range of measures specifically aimed at attracting research and development activity to Ireland. Today’s announcement that APC Ltd, a world leader in pharmaceutical research, is expanding in Ireland and creating 100 jobs is very welcome. I wish Mark and the APC team the very best for their future as they continue to grow their business".

APC Ltd is supported by Enterprise Ireland, the Government agency with a remit to support the commercialisation of academic research, which provided R&D funding for the company’s team development, technology and international market access. Ireland is the largest net exporter of pharmaceuticals and APC’s expansion confirms Ireland's increasing competitiveness as a destination for pharmaceutical and biotech research and development.

Speaking about the job announcement, Mark Barrett CEO, said: “Our success has come from working with talented and creative engineers and scientists. We are looking to expand the team with today's announcement of 100 highly-skilled research and development jobs across chemical engineering, sciences and analytics. We need people who enjoy the rewards of working in an environment that is driven by cutting-edge technology and science. In return, we will provide them with an opportunity to do something extraordinary: to help change patient outcomes for the better”.

ENDS

For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mark Barrett, APC Co-founder and CEO, please contact: